Looking for places where kids and teens can volunteer in the Tampa Bay area? This guide includes family-friendly volunteer opportunities, teen service-hour programs, library volunteering, animal rescue options, food banks, museums, hospital volunteer programs, environmental projects, city volunteer opportunities, and more.
Many of these options can help homeschool students earn community service hours, Bright Futures volunteer/service hours, transcript-friendly volunteer experience, or meaningful hands-on community involvement. Every organization has its own age rules, forms, registration steps, and supervision requirements.
Parent note: Before signing up, confirm the current age minimum, whether a parent must stay, whether service hours are signed, and whether students need to bring a service-hour verification form.
🌱 Ages 5–12 / Family-Friendly
Family-friendly volunteer opportunities, younger student options, supervised service projects, food banks, donation drives, and hands-on community service opportunities.
Community Food Pantry
Best age fit: Adult and youth volunteers welcome
Service hours / volunteer note: May count toward high school and middle school community service hours. The pantry is always in need of volunteers to serve, sort, and stock. Community service clubs, sports teams, high school clubs, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and other organizations are encouraged to inquire about group projects or activities outside of normal pantry operation. Corporate team building and adult service groups are also welcome.
Website: Community Food Pantry Volunteer Page
Email: [email protected] for group volunteering
Feeding Tampa Bay
Best age fit: Varies by role — ages 5+ to 16+
Service hours / volunteer note: Feeding Tampa Bay offers a range of volunteer opportunities. Warehouse Sorting typically welcomes ages 5+ with adult supervision required for ages 5–15, and Family Night warehouse sorting shifts are open to all ages. Other roles may have higher minimum ages, including ages 13+ for Muscles + Tetris, The Market, and Mobile Pantries; and ages 16+ for The Bistro, Groceries on the Go, Trinity Cafe, and Feeding Pinellas.
Website: Feeding Tampa Bay Volunteer Page
Give Kids the World Village
Best age fit: Ages 8+; under 16 must volunteer with an adult 18 or older; ages 16+ may volunteer without an adult
Service hours / volunteer note: From serving “Ice Cream For Breakfast” in Henri’s Starlite Scoops to assisting with wish family check-ins, every volunteer role helps create happiness and hope for wish families. Individuals, service groups, alumni families, and employer groups can volunteer.
Website: Give Kids the World Village
Humane Society of Tampa Bay
Best age fit: All ages welcome; under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
Service hours / volunteer note: This program provides a wide variety of opportunities and schedules for those interested in volunteering regularly for more than 6 months. Volunteers can earn hours for school or work through this program.
Meals on Wheels Tampa
Best age fit: Student community service opportunities available; some require volunteering alongside a parent
Service hours / volunteer note: Meals On Wheels of Tampa can help students complete required school-related community service hours. Opportunities include joining a parent on a meal delivery route or Saturday delivery route, helping on the day of a special event, washing out coolers used in daily meal delivery, and decorating paper lunch bags for Thanksgiving morning delivery. Several opportunities require calling the office in advance.
Website: Meals on Wheels Tampa Individual Volunteering
Phone: 813-238-8410
Metropolitan Ministries
Best age fit: Ages 8+ with a guardian; ages 14+ may serve by themselves
Service hours / volunteer note: Volunteer opportunities may include assembling food boxes at the warehouse, preparing lunch, helping build the Holiday Tent, and supporting other service projects. Some tasks may not be available at all times.
Parkinson’s Foundation
Best age fit: All ages welcome; volunteers under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver
Service hours / volunteer note: Volunteer opportunities are flexible and may include in-person, virtual, group, or event-specific roles that help advance the Foundation’s mission.
Special Olympics Florida
Best age fit: All ages welcome; general volunteers must be at least 15 unless accompanied by an adult
Service hours / volunteer note: Special Olympics Florida welcomes volunteers through its Community Event Registration & Volunteer Information System (CERVIS). Events listed in the system are those that still need volunteers. Click an event name to learn more, then use the registration button to begin the process.
United Food Bank of Plant City
Best age fit: All ages welcome; children 14 and under must have a parent or guardian volunteer with them; ages 15+ may volunteer by themselves
Service hours / volunteer note: The United Food Bank welcomes new volunteers and is always in need of good volunteers. Getting involved is easy through the organization’s website.
🧭 Ages 12–14
Middle school and young teen volunteer options, library opportunities, supervised projects, group volunteering, and early teen service-hour options.
City of Tampa – Department of Parks and Recreation
Best age fit: Ages 12–15 with parental supervision for most projects; minimum age 16 for unaccompanied volunteers, reviewed case-by-case
Service hours / volunteer note: Volunteers help provide a safe and enjoyable environment through opportunities available year-round. Families should review the Volunteer Handbook first, then fill out and submit the Volunteer Application. The department also partners with outside nonprofit organizations that provide volunteer opportunities.
F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Down Syndrome – West Florida
Best age fit: Ages 14+
Service hours / volunteer note: F.R.I.E.N.D.S. is a volunteer-led nonprofit serving the Down syndrome and special needs community across west Florida. Volunteers are occasionally needed to help run programs and larger events. Interested volunteers can complete the form on the website to be notified of future opportunities.
Website: F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Volunteer Page
Glazer Children’s Museum
Best age fit: Group volunteers must be at least 14 years old; all candidates are subject to criminal background checks
Service hours / volunteer note: Glazer Children’s Museum offers volunteer opportunities for teens, adults, and groups. Volunteers welcome guests, play alongside children, support programs, and help create joyful museum experiences. Group volunteering is available for college, high school, corporate, social, and nonprofit groups.
Website: Glazer Children’s Museum Volunteer Page
Email: [email protected]
Goodwill Suncoast Junior Ambassadors
Best age fit: High school students ages 14+ in ten Gulf Coast counties
Service hours / volunteer note: Goodwill’s Junior Ambassadors Program offers hands-on community service. J.A.G Weekend volunteers can earn up to 14 hours over a two-day weekend, while J.A.G Summer volunteers can earn up to 40 hours over a one-week program at the Gandy Center in St. Petersburg.
Website: Goodwill Suncoast Junior Ambassadors
Habitat for Humanity Hillsborough
Best age fit: Varies by shift; 14+ with a parent at the ReStore and some Special Events, or 16+ without a parent; 16+ at Construction and Home Preservation with restrictions; 18+ removes all restrictions
Service hours / volunteer note: No experience is needed to volunteer. Opportunities include builds, Habitat ReStores, Home Preservation projects, and group volunteering. Groups of 5+ should sign up through the group link so the Volunteer Services team can reach out; smaller groups sign up individually.
Hands of Hope
Best age fit: Those under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times
Service hours / volunteer note: Volunteers can fill out the volunteer form on the website. Program areas include the Food Pantry, Community Center, Afterschool, Summer Camp, and Administration. Families should confirm current openings, times, and student service-hour documentation before volunteering.
Website: Hands of Hope America
Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative
Best age fit: Ages 14–18 who reside in Hillsborough County; school attendance in Hillsborough County may be required for the internship
Service hours / volunteer note: HCPLC offers teen programs such as the Teen Social Media Internship Program and the Teen Advisory & Advocacy Board. These programs can help students earn Bright Futures or educational service hours while developing communication, media, advocacy, civic engagement, and collaboration skills.
Website: Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative Volunteer Page
Hillsborough County Youth Leadership Council
Best age fit: Hillsborough County high school students, grades 9–12
Service hours / volunteer note: The Hillsborough County Youth Leadership Council gives students an opportunity to participate in civic, leadership, and community service programs. Activities may include open forums with County Commissioners, Leadership 101, and group-selected volunteer opportunities.
The Dalí Museum VolunTeen Program
Best age fit: High school students ages 14 and up
Service hours / volunteer note: This free Summer VolunTeen Program introduces high school students to volunteerism while immersing them in the world of Salvador Dalí. Eligible volunteer hours may be used for Bright Futures, National Honor Society, IB, ExCel, or CAS requirements.
Website: The Dalí Museum VolunTeen Program
The Spring of Tampa Bay
Best age fit: Ages 13–14 with adult supervision; ages 15–17 without supervision but with parental permission
Service hours / volunteer note: Individuals and groups of up to 15 people can assist at the Thrift Store, Donation Center, and Boutique. Prepping donated items helps generate revenue for services and provides necessary items to survivors of domestic violence as they rebuild their lives.
Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA
Best age fit: Ages 13–14 for youth and family programs; independent volunteering usually opens at 16+
Service hours / volunteer note: YMCA volunteers support coaching, mentoring youth, essential programs, special events, committees and boards, and fundraising efforts that help create a more vibrant and connected community.
Website: Tampa YMCA Volunteer Page
🙌 Ages 15+
Older teen volunteer options, hospital programs, museum programs, animal care, mentoring, city programs, and structured service opportunities.
A Kid’s Place
Best age fit: Ages 16+; under 18 must be accompanied by an adult; adults must pass background screenings
Service hours / volunteer note: A Kid’s Place of Tampa Bay is a residential foster care community in Brandon that keeps siblings together. Volunteer opportunities include campus clean-ups, special events, donation drives, and sharing professional skills. Direct interaction with children is limited to protect their privacy and stability.
Website: A Kid’s Place Volunteer Page
American Heart Association Heart Club
Best age fit: High school and college students
Service hours / volunteer note: Heart Club is a student-led experience for high school and college students. Members serve as leaders advancing health and hope through the four pillars of leadership, impact, fundraising, and wellbeing.
American Red Cross of Tampa Bay
Best age fit: Ages 16+ for disaster services; ages 16–17 may require parent involvement for some opportunities; opportunities may be available for youth under 16
Service hours / volunteer note: To volunteer with disaster services, students must be at least 16. For volunteers ages 16–17, some disaster opportunities require parent involvement. Youth opportunities may be available for volunteers under 16 through the Youth/Young Adults and Internships page.
Website: American Red Cross Youth Services
Boys & Girls Club of Tampa Bay
Best age fit: Ages 18+
Service hours / volunteer note: Volunteer opportunities include Club Volunteers, Event Volunteers, and Corporate Volunteers. Club and Event Volunteers should fill out the application form. For corporate or group opportunities, contact Maria Jansson. Some opportunities may require covering the cost of a background check.
Website: Boys & Girls Club of Tampa Bay Volunteer Application
Email: [email protected] for corporate/group opportunities
Children’s Home Network
Best age fit: Ages 18+ for all positions except Event Staff; students 15–17 may volunteer at most events
Service hours / volunteer note: Children’s Home Network processes volunteers based on specific activity and individual availability. Available projects include campus improvement projects, assisting with events, and donation organization. Volunteers must be of good moral character and willing to submit to a Level 2 background check if required for the activity.
Volunteer Page: Children’s Home Network Volunteer Page
Individual Volunteering: Children’s Home Network Individual Volunteering
DAV — Disabled American Veterans Organization
Best age fit: Volunteers under 18 must submit a consent form; ages 16 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
Service hours / volunteer note: Volunteer hours can be accumulated at a VA medical center and/or the Local Veterans Assistance Program and must be credited to Disabled American Veterans. Volunteer ideas include helping at VA facilities, supporting homebound veterans, organizing drives, creating care packages, writing thank-you letters, and more.
Website: DAV Volunteer Page
Email: [email protected] for under-18 consent forms
Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation
Best age fit: Ages 16+, or a member of a pre-approved group such as scouting or 4-H; volunteers must provide their own transportation
Service hours / volunteer note: A variety of volunteer opportunities are available through the Parks & Recreation and Conservation & Environmental Lands Management departments. Choose the volunteer application that best fits your interests.
Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center
Best age fit: Ages 18+; limited Bright Futures shifts available for students ages 16+; court-ordered community service not currently accepted
Service hours / volunteer note: The Pet Resource Center relies on trained, responsible volunteers to provide enrichment and care for shelter dogs and cats. The process includes viewing currently recruiting positions, submitting an application, completing an orientation interview, and agreeing to the volunteer waiver.
Website: Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center Volunteer Page
Email: [email protected]
Hispanic Services Council
Best age fit: Students ages 15 and up
Service hours / volunteer note: Hispanic Services Council offers opportunities to become a valued and trusted resource and build meaningful relationships that positively impact the lives of the community’s Latino children and families.
James A. Haley Veterans Hospital
Best age fit: Ages 18+; youth program for students 15–17 during summer months when visitation and health/safety restrictions permit
Service hours / volunteer note: Volunteers help make patients’ stays more enjoyable and are matched to assignments that have the most impact. The onboarding process includes submitting a request to volunteer through the VA volunteer portal.
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital
Best age fit: Ages 16+
Service hours / volunteer note: Volunteering on the hospital campus or at one of the Outpatient Care Centers can be a meaningful first step toward getting involved and seeing the work happening for children and families.
Website: Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Volunteer Page
Mayor’s Youth Corps
Best age fit: Students in grades 9, 10, and 11 who live in or attend a public or private high school within Tampa city limits
Service hours / volunteer note: The Mayor’s Youth Corps is open to eligible students in grades 9–11 within Tampa city limits. Students earn volunteer hours by assisting agencies that address local hunger, homelessness, and poverty.
Website: Mayor’s Youth Corps
Moffitt Cancer Center VolunTeen Program
Best age fit: Teen volunteers; applications temporarily paused
Service hours / volunteer note: Volunteer Services is navigating a system conversion and using this time to evaluate ways to enhance the VolunTeen experience. Families should check back for future application dates and updated program information.
Website: Moffitt VolunTeen Program
MOSI — Museum of Science and Industry
Best age fit: Ages 15+, eligible to complete a background screening
Service hours / volunteer note: Volunteering at MOSI can include assisting with events or camps. It is a popular way to complete community volunteering requirements for the Bright Futures Scholarship.
Website: MOSI Volunteer Page
Ronald McDonald House Charities Tampa Bay
Best age fit: Ages 15+; arbitration hours not accepted
Service hours / volunteer note: The VolunTEEN Program helps students seeking scholastic service hours for Bright Futures, NHS, and other programs. Students learn about RMHC, the families served, and daily operations. When possible, they may help facilitate children’s activities and make treats in the kitchens for families.
Ryan Nece Foundation
Best age fit: Student Service Program
Service hours / volunteer note: Students in the program volunteer at Ryan Nece Foundation events and with many other Bay Area nonprofit partners throughout the year.
SPCA Tampa Bay
Best age fit: Ages 18+ at the time of application
Service hours / volunteer note: SPCA Tampa Bay has dedicated volunteers who provide their time and talents to make a difference in the lives of shelter animals and the community.
Website: SPCA Tampa Bay Volunteer Page
Tampa Bay History Center
Best age fit: Teenage volunteers ages 15–18
Service hours / volunteer note: Teenage volunteers work alongside museum staff by assisting with summer camps and special events, serving as gallery floor hosts, helping with public programs, or researching ongoing projects. Education Volunteers must be available at least two weekday afternoons a month.
Tampa General Hospital
Best age fit: Ages 16+; minors ages 16–17 require a parent/guardian co-signature on the application and all documents
Service hours / volunteer note: Volunteers provide non-medical comfort and care to patients and assist departments. Requirements include a minimum of 100 service hours during the Fall/Spring session or 60 service hours during the Summer session, plus one 3–4 hour service shift per week.
Tampa Museum of Art
Best age fit: Gallery & Special Events Volunteers and Docents must be 18+; Summer Art Camp volunteers must be 16–17
Service hours / volunteer note: Volunteers may guide tours, assist with special events, or help new artists express themselves in art classes. It is a way to support art in Tampa Bay, meet like-minded people, and help bring the joy of art to the community.
Tampa Theatre
Best age fit: Ages 18+
Service hours / volunteer note: Tampa Theatre’s volunteer corps is called “The Gargoyles.” Volunteers serve as ushers at concerts and special events, help in the business office, represent Tampa Theatre at outreach events, assist with Balcony-To-Backstage Theatre Tours, and conduct mini tours before select classic movies after training.
Website: Tampa Theatre Volunteer Page
Email: [email protected] — Operations Manager Kim Stewart
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Best age fit: ZooTeen Volunteers must be 14–17 and enrolled in high school; seasonal program
Service hours / volunteer note: Volunteers help inspire guests through guest engagement, support habitats through the dive team, or protect manatees in the wild. Families should explore the programs to find the best fit.
Website: ZooTampa Volunteer Page
🔎 Age Varies / Confirm Directly
Organizations with flexible, event-based, adult, or currently unspecified age requirements. Confirm current student eligibility before counting service hours.
American Cancer Society
Best age fit: Age requirement not specified
Service hours / volunteer note: American Cancer Society volunteers help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Volunteers can sign up to honor a survivor or loved one, help save lives locally, and work toward ending cancer for everyone.
Volunteer Community: American Cancer Society Volunteer Community
On Campus: American Cancer Society On Campus
American Diabetes Association
Best age fit: Age requirement not specified
Service hours / volunteer note: American Diabetes Association volunteers support community outreach, advocacy, and inspiration. Contact the local Tampa office to learn about current volunteer opportunities.
Website: American Diabetes Association Volunteer Page
Address: 1511 N. Westshore Blvd, Suite 980, Tampa, FL 33607
Phone: (813) 885-5007
American Victory Ship and Museum
Best age fit: Age requirement not specified
Service hours / volunteer note: Volunteer opportunities include administration, marketing, public relations, special events, education programs, tours, maintenance, restoration, and ship crew support. The museum is located directly behind The Florida Aquarium at 705 Channelside Drive in Tampa.
Website: American Victory Ship Volunteer Page
Phone: 813-228-8766
Email: [email protected]
Blue Star Families
Best age fit: Age requirement not specified
Service hours / volunteer note: Blue Star Families works to strengthen the connection between military families and the communities they call home. Opportunities may include social media support, local events, or special campaigns.
Website: Blue Star Families Volunteer Page
Volunteer Portal: Blue Star Families Tampa Bay Opportunities
Bullard Family Foundation
Best age fit: Age requirement not specified
Service hours / volunteer note: The Bullard Family Foundation works to improve the lives of local families and recognizes that one individual can make a transformational change in the community.
Website: Bullard Family Foundation
Volunteer Form: Bullard Family Foundation Volunteer Form
Chapters Health System
Best age fit: Age requirement not specified
Service hours / volunteer note: Volunteer opportunities include supporting veterans and first responders, helping through Life’s Treasures Thrift Store locations, and assisting at children’s grief camps where young people learn to cope with grief.
Crisis Center of Tampa Bay
Best age fit: Age requirement not specified
Service hours / volunteer note: Volunteer opportunities include Travelers Aid at Tampa International Airport and Sexual Assault Victim Advocate roles. Some roles may require specialized training, availability, or adult eligibility, so confirm directly before applying.
Current Initiatives
Best age fit: Age requirement not specified
Service hours / volunteer note: Volunteer opportunities include the Hope For Homes Project, which provides remodeling and improvement work for lower-income working families, and the Laundry Project, where laundromats become community centers of hope while laundry fees are paid and volunteers assist families.
Website: Current Initiatives Volunteer Page
Dr. Martin Luther King Parade Foundation
Best age fit: Volunteers under 21 may participate if accompanied by a chaperone
Service hours / volunteer note: Volunteers support the annual MLK Parade Gala and Parade Celebration. Opportunities include gala support, parade support, and general support such as registration, hospitality, staging area organization, route monitoring, vendor coordination, marching band hospitality, administrative help, and clerical functions.
Website: MLK Parade Foundation Volunteer Page
Easterseals Florida
Best age fit: Age requirement not specified
Service hours / volunteer note: Easterseals volunteers share their talents to help people with disabilities and other special needs achieve their goals.
Website: Easterseals Florida Volunteering
Epilepsy Services of West Central Florida
Best age fit: Age requirement not specified
Service hours / volunteer note: Florida Epilepsy Services is looking for volunteers to help lead the way in seizure safety and advocacy in the community. Interested volunteers can register for the FES Volunteer Meeting.
Website: Epilepsy Services of West Central Florida
Volunteer Meeting Registration: FES Volunteer Meeting Registration
HCPS HOST Program
Best age fit: Age requirement not specified
Service hours / volunteer note: All volunteers and community partners must complete the HCPS Volunteer Application or have a verified current/active volunteer profile. Applications are based on expiration date rather than annual submission, and renewal notices are sent before expiration.
Website: HCPS Volunteer Application
HCSO Charities
Best age fit: Must be a Hernando County resident; background check performed on each applicant
Service hours / volunteer note: The Sheriff’s Volunteer Shallow Water Rescue Unit uses Hernando County citizens with flat bottom boats, air boats, ATVs, utility vehicles, and/or trucks to assist in shallow water rescue operations after severe weather threats subside. Participation is voluntary in each instance.
Website: HCSO Volunteer Rescue Page
Hillsborough County Council PTA/PTSA
Best age fit: Age requirement not specified
Service hours / volunteer note: HCPS requires all volunteers and community partners to complete the HCPS Volunteer Application or have a current active application on file before volunteering. Applications should be submitted at least two weeks before any activity, with longer processing time for Level 2 fingerprinting.
Website: Hillsborough County Council PTA/PTSA Volunteer Information
Phone: (813) 272-4446
Email: [email protected]
Hillsborough Education Foundation
Best age fit: Open to individuals and groups; as a district-approved community service organization, students can earn Bright Futures Scholarship hours
Service hours / volunteer note: Volunteer opportunities may include mentoring, sorting and repacking donated school supplies, reviewing senior scholarship applications, assisting at events, and supporting the administrative office.
JDRF Northern Florida / Breakthrough T1D
Best age fit: Age requirement not specified
Service hours / volunteer note: Volunteers can connect with the local T1D community by working hands-on at events, joining committees, raising funds for research and advocacy, or providing support through personal experience and insight.
Website: Breakthrough T1D Volunteer Page
Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay
Best age fit: Age requirement not specified
Service hours / volunteer note: JA Tampa Bay volunteers help students run businesses, make financial decisions, explore career paths, and participate in guided experiences that can make a lasting impact.
Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful
Best age fit: Age requirement not specified
Service hours / volunteer note: Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful hosts events throughout the year with help from site captains and staff. Events include the After Gasparilla Clean Up, Great Port Clean Up, Hillsborough River Coastal Clean Up, and World Oceans Day.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society / Blood Cancer United
Best age fit: Age requirement not specified
Service hours / volunteer note: Volunteers can create an account to search for opportunities by zip code, stay in touch with staff and fellow volunteers, access fundraising pages, local event calendars, resources, and news, and support the mission of curing blood cancers.
Lighthouse Ministries
Best age fit: Age requirement not specified
Service hours / volunteer note: To apply, fill out a volunteer application specifying your interests. Opportunities are organized by location, availability, job description, skillset, and first steps. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator with questions.
Website: Lighthouse Ministries Volunteer Opportunities
Phone: 863-687-4076 ext. 777
Email: [email protected]
Make-A-Wish South Florida — Kids For Wish Kids
Best age fit: Managed by kids; teachers and parents often serve as advisors
Service hours / volunteer note: Kids For Wish Kids is managed by kids. Participants form committees, develop fundraising ideas, and carry them out, while teachers and parents often serve as advisors. The program helps increase awareness of the Make-A-Wish mission and helps grant wishes to children with critical illnesses.
Website: Kids For Wish Kids
March of Dimes
Best age fit: Age requirement not specified
Service hours / volunteer note: Volunteers may help with setup, registration, greeting guests, answering questions, leading activities during events, and post-event takedown. Check back if an event is not listed or reach out to get connected.
Website: March of Dimes Volunteer Page
Meals of Hope
Best age fit: Age requirement not specified; volunteers must wear closed-toe shoes
Service hours / volunteer note: Weekly mobile pantries need volunteers to help run food distributions. Volunteers for Mobile Food Pantry Trucks should arrive one hour before distribution starts and stay the full three hours.
Website: Meals of Hope Get Involved
Mike Alstott Family Foundation
Best age fit: Age requirement not specified
Service hours / volunteer note: Contact the Mike Alstott Family Foundation directly to learn about involvement and volunteer opportunities.
Website: Mike Alstott Family Foundation
Email: [email protected]
NOPE of Hillsborough
Best age fit: Age requirement not specified
Service hours / volunteer note: NOPE Hillsborough is made up of community members volunteering their time to help save lives. NOPE brings its message to public and private forums to focus attention on the epidemic of illegal drugs and illegal distribution of powerful prescription drugs.
Website: NOPE Hillsborough Taking Action
OASIS Opportunities
Best age fit: Open volunteering; counts toward Bright Futures Scholarship service hours
Service hours / volunteer note: OASIS recruits volunteers to organize hygiene drives and wash laundry. Volunteers are asked to give 24 hours’ notice of pickup and drop-off plans. One load of laundry equals one service hour.
Website: OASIS Volunteer Page
Relay For Life
Best age fit: Age requirement not specified
Service hours / volunteer note: Volunteer roles include Event Leadership Team, Day-of-Event Volunteers, and Team Captains & Members. Volunteers may help plan the event, recruit sponsors, organize ceremonies, set up, staff booths, run survivor dinners, fundraise, and participate in track walks.
Website: Relay For Life Tampa Bay Event Page
Sandy Hook Promise
Best age fit: Age requirement not specified
Service hours / volunteer note: Promise Leaders receive next steps after signing up, with available actions based on location. Volunteers receive action updates, resource access, and opportunities to connect with other volunteers.
Website: Sandy Hook Promise Volunteer Page
Seeds of Hope
Best age fit: Age requirement not specified; afternoon/evening shifts are popular with high school students
Service hours / volunteer note: Opportunities include the Thursday Food Pantry and Wednesday Backpacks of Hope. Afternoon/evening pantry shifts are popular with high school students, but morning and early afternoon shifts may be highly needed.
Website: Seeds of Hope Volunteer Page
Starting Right, Now
Best age fit: Age requirement not specified
Service hours / volunteer note: Volunteer opportunities include Mentorship, where volunteers act as a friend, confidante, and role model for students, and Life Skills & Tutoring, where volunteers support academics, credit recovery, financial literacy, budgeting, and other essential life skills.
Website: Starting Right, Now
Straz Center
Best age fit: Age requirement not specified
Service hours / volunteer note: The Straz Center relies on volunteers at the Straz Center and Patel Conservatory. Roles include event ushering, ticket sales office assistance, and Patel Conservatory support. Volunteers may enjoy flexible scheduling, free show tickets, and invitations to special events.
Website: Straz Center Volunteer Opportunities
Suncoast Charities for Children
Best age fit: Age requirement not specified
Service hours / volunteer note: Suncoast Charities for Children offers volunteer opportunities at events such as the Thunder By The Bay Music & Motors Festival, the Bob Rizi Memorial Golf Classic, and Motors & Moorings Weekend.
Website: Suncoast Charities for Children Volunteer Opportunities
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation
Best age fit: Age requirement not specified
Service hours / volunteer note: Volunteering with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation may involve school supply drives, youth football development, Habitat for Humanity builds, home game Fan Ambassador roles, or team-sponsored outreach.
Website: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Community Page
Tampa Fire Fighters Museum
Best age fit: Age requirement not specified
Service hours / volunteer note: Volunteer opportunities include Docent & Tour Guide, Event Assistance, and Educational Outreach. Volunteers may help guests explore the historic 1911 fire station, support special events and fundraisers, and assist with fire safety education.
Website: Tampa Fire Fighters Museum
The Arthritis Foundation
Best age fit: Age requirement not specified
Service hours / volunteer note: The Arthritis Foundation is volunteer-powered, with opportunities ranging from leadership board members and JA camp counselors to Connect Group facilitators and Walk to Cure Arthritis participants.
Website: Arthritis Foundation Volunteer Page
The Community Roundtable / Tampa Bay Roundtable
Best age fit: Age requirement not specified
Service hours / volunteer note: Tampa Bay Roundtable offers a collaborative and supportive platform that empowers children, families, and professionals of the community through its roundtable method, meaningful discourse, and actionable solutions.
Website: Tampa Bay Roundtable
The Florida Aquarium
Best age fit: Age requirement not specified
Service hours / volunteer note: The Florida Aquarium offers volunteer roles across various departments, as well as episodic opportunities for short-term engagement.
The Salvation Army
Best age fit: Age requirement not specified
Service hours / volunteer note: Volunteers may support food distribution, disaster relief, shelter assistance, and seasonal initiatives such as the Red Kettle Campaign or Angel Tree programs.
United Way Suncoast
Best age fit: Age requirement not specified
Service hours / volunteer note: United Way Suncoast focuses on Educational Opportunity, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency. Volunteer action supports its mission to help communities thrive.
Website: United Way Suncoast Volunteer Page
USO Central Florida
Best age fit: Age requirement not specified
Service hours / volunteer note: USO volunteers help keep service members connected by welcoming visitors, easing travel, offering hospitality, and supporting locations across Florida, including Tampa International Airport and other airport and military installation centers.
Website: USO Central Florida Volunteer Page
✅ Before You Volunteer
Before your student signs up for volunteer hours, it is a good idea to:
- Confirm the current minimum age directly with the organization.
- Ask whether a parent or guardian must stay during the volunteer shift.
- Bring a service-hour verification form or volunteer log if your student needs documented hours.
- Ask who signs the service-hour form before leaving.
- Check whether advance registration, orientation, closed-toe shoes, background checks, or parent waivers are required.
- Confirm whether the organization signs Bright Futures, homeschool, school, or transcript-related service hours.
For Bright Futures, homeschool transcripts, co-op requirements, or personal records, families should also confirm that the volunteer activity meets their documentation needs before counting the hours.
